Bronx, New York — On June 26th 2012, The New York Daily News published an article on a recent Youth Summit where parents were warned by the police about the growing presence of gangs and crews in New York City. In the article, the senselessness of gang violence was illustrated by the story of Garifuna American Jose Webster, who died last September 2011 after being shot while walking his girlfriend home.

The article talks about crews (which the article describes as subsets of gangs) and the attempts by the police to help parents spot clues that would alert them to their child’s possible involvement in one. In concise fashion, the article also breaks down the politics of crew involvement and includes stunning advice by the police given to the parents.

How I Learned About The Death of Garifuna American Jose Webster

I was alerted to the Death of Jose Webster earlier this year, after a relative of his told me about it while returning home from a special 18th Birthday Party. This relative of his mentioned that Jose Webster’s death made the news. At the time, I didn’t follow through and look it up, but then last week, I came upon this article and wondered if this was the same young man I was told about. After taking photos at The Travesia Coronacion this past weekend, I talked to this same relative about the New York Daily News article on the recent Youth Summit on Gangs and Crews in New York City. It was then that I was able to confirm that this was the same young man who was tragically killed last year.

Mother’s Response to Death of Son

Upon doing some research on Garifuna American Jose Webster, I was able to find an article in The New York Daily News on his mother who was dealing with the tragic loss of her son. The articles do not specifically state that Jose Webster (or his mother) are of Garifuna descent, but when you see that the name of his mother is Lesly Arzu, you automatically see that she is Garifuna (the last name Arzu is a common Garifuna last name). Besides, I was alerted to this story by a relative of his, who is Garifuna American.

Garifuna American Lesly Arzu, who brought the impromptu memorial placed on the basketball court of the Daniel Webster Houses into her home. Photo by Howard Simmons. Photo courtesy of The New York Daily News.

In taking photography at various Garifuna events in New York City over the last three years, I definitely have noticed the quick increase in numbers of youths involved in crews or possibly gangs. It’s pretty obvious and depressing. Who can’t see the complex, ritualistic handshakes? The bandanas, the tattoos or the ritualistic shouting of the name of a crew at various social gatherings? I know if I can see it, others can as well. But as the New York Daily News article notes, for many youths, involvement in a crew doesn’t automatically make one a criminal. In many instances, it’s a complex matter of survival.

It’s easy for older people to say that youths should say no to involvement in gangs or crews. But the tougher question is, what do can these youths say YES to? Whoever can answer that question will unearth a way out for many Garifuna youths. Aran sedibu? (“Are you ready?” in the Garifuna Language).

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